What if you say YES?

Sometimes the opportunity to go on a creative adventure is a happenstance nudged by an outrageous little “yes”.

Picture the scenario of me being asked the following questions for a short film/music video project:

• Can you play a blind woman and would you be happy to wear contact lenses for this?

YES

• Can you do an American accent as you will need to do a bit of talking for this?

YES

And that is how it all began. By me saying yes to taking an unexpected starring role in one of my favourite musicians Myles Sanko 's video for This Ain’t Living, spotlighting the gun problem in the US and the unlawful shooting of Black people.

I am a huge fan of Myles and I’ve had such fun times attending various gigs in Cambridge and London over the years. I don’t know whether or not I landed on the list of possible people for the blind woman part because I stinted as a fan (easy job!) in the Forever Dreaming video years prior.

Now, I took the This Ain’t Living assignment seriously but I was seriously not up to the task after hours spent online trying to learn an American accent. In terms of wearing the blind contacts, I knew I would struggle but decided that I wouldn’t have a choice on the day so would ‘just have to do it’. I was determined to do my best and heck, what a privilege and experience!

I practised the script and sourced old shoes and clothes. I went on location for filming - on trains, at shopping precincts and somewhere in the rain in front of a US police car. Fortunately for me, the requirement to wear the contacts was dropped. It’s funny how quickly you become immune to being stared at by strangers when you have other things to worry about!?

Outside filming, I really enjoyed the on-the-road time with Myles chatting about his work as the artist, the creative director and the CEO of his business. It was great to see the cast and crew at work and spend some time happily swimming out of my depth.?

I’m so glad I said yes though I am unlikely to attempt another acting gig! Years later, I still must thank Myles that I can mark that experience as a creative and life highlight. I must also tell you that he has dropped a beautiful new single called Dream Chaser, do check it out!

Also, next time you are asked to jump on an unlikely creative project…say YES!